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Journals / Recent Trends in Pharmacology / 2026 / Volume: 4 Issue: 2

Betulinic Acid Mitigates Estrogen Deficiency–Related Femoral Bone Loss: Evidence from an Ovariectomized Rat Model

Onural Özhan(Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0001-9018-7849
Hilal Sahin(Undergraduate Student, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0009-0007-5778-3332
Mehmet Fatih Korkmaz(Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0001-7498-6763
Azibe Yıldız(Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0001-5686-7867
Ersoy Kekilli(Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0003-2127-269X
Nigar Vardı(Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0003-0576-1696
Hakan Parlakpınar(Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye)0000-0001-9497-3468
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-08-28
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These findings suggest that BA may have a preventive, rather than therapeutic, role in estrogen deficiency–related (OP).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Objective: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by estrogen deficiency–induced bone loss and deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.
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Key Findings & Data:Betulinic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and osteoprotective properties.
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Conclusion & Impact:These findings suggest that BA may have a preventive, rather than therapeutic, role in estrogen deficiency–related (OP).
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Betulinic acid · bone microarchitecture · ovariectomy

Abstract

Objective: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by estrogen deficiency–induced bone loss and deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture. Betulinic acid (BA), a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has demonstrated antioxidant and osteoprotective properties. This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological effects of BA on femoral bone tissue in ovariectomized rats. Methods: Thirty-two female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=8): Sham, OVX, BA+OVX (BA administered before OVX), and OVX+BA (BA administered after OVX). BA was given orally at 3 mg/kg/day. Pelvic bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Serum calcium levels were measured, and femoral bone tissues were evaluated histopathologically for trabecular thinning and loss of connectivity. Results: OVX resulted in a significant reduction in pelvic BMD and marked deterioration of trabecular bone architecture compared with the Sham group. BA administration prior to OVX significantly attenuated OVX-induced bone loss, as evidenced by higher pelvic BMD and preserved trabecular structure compared with the OVX group (p<.05). In contrast, BA treatment initiated after OVX did not significantly reverse bone loss or histopathological damage. Serum calcium levels did not differ significantly among the groups. Conclusion: BA exerts a protective effect against OVX-induced bone loss when administered prior to estrogen deficiency, preserving both bone mineral density and trabecular microarchitecture. These findings suggest that BA may have a preventive, rather than therapeutic, role in estrogen deficiency–related (OP).

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Cite This Article

Özhan, O., Sahin, H., Korkmaz, M. F., Yıldız, A., Kekilli, E., Vardı, N., Parlakpınar, H. (2026). Betulinic Acid Mitigates Estrogen Deficiency–Related Femoral Bone Loss: Evidence from an Ovariectomized Rat Model. Recent Trends in Pharmacology, Volume: 4 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.62425/rtpharma.1871984

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